Ephesians 3:16 (KJV)

What does Ephesians 3:16 mean?

Ephesians 3:16 describes Paul’s prayer that God would give believers inner strength through the Holy Spirit, drawing from the abundance of God’s glory. Paul is asking that Christians be empowered deep within themselves, not just outwardly, by God’s own Spirit.

Paul, writing to the church in Ephesus, is sharing a heartfelt prayer for them. He wants them to experience real spiritual strength, not based on their own ability, but on God’s limitless resources. This verse comes in the middle of a longer prayer, showing Paul’s desire for believers to be deeply rooted and strong in their faith.

The Greek behind Ephesians 3:16

• "Strengthened" (κραταιωθῆναι, krataiōthēnai) means to be made strong or empowered. Here, it points to an inner strengthening, not just physical or emotional, but a deep spiritual fortifying.
• "Might" (δυνάμει, dynamei) refers to power or strength, often understood as the kind of power that comes from God, not human effort. Paul is emphasizing that this strength is divine.
• "Inner man" (ἔσω ἄνθρωπον, esō anthrōpon) means the inner self, the core of a person—thoughts, will, and spirit—rather than the outward, physical person. Paul is focusing on transformation that happens inside, at the heart level.

Why Ephesians 3:16 matters

• Ephesians 3:16 clarifies that true spiritual strength comes from God’s Spirit working inside a person, not from external circumstances or personal willpower.
• The verse highlights the vastness of God’s resources ("the riches of his glory"), reminding readers that God’s ability to strengthen is unlimited.
• This prayer connects to the larger theme of Ephesians, where Paul encourages believers to live out their faith with confidence, knowing they are empowered by God himself.